RS timings changed

New Delhi, Aug. 11: The Rajya Sabha’s Zero Hour, when issues of national importance can be raised without notice, will be slotted at 11am or as soon as the House convenes for the day from the next session, PTI reported today.

Question Hour, which used to precede Zero Hour, will start from 12 noon. The upper House is scheduled to sit up to 6pm, instead of 5pm, sources said.

The changes have been proposed to ensure smooth conduct of the proceedings. Disruptions usually take place during the Question Hour, and it was felt that the House was unable to discuss topical issues that require its immediate attention.